-September 28, 2023,
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand.”
(Galatians 6:11).
Just before ending his epistle to the Galatians, he spoke these words. It shows how he loved them and wanted the very best for them. It was a very personal touch which took a great deal of time and effort.
Paul had an eye problem; we don’t know the exact nature or severity of it. He wrote to the Galatians, “What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me” (Galatians 4:15). We don’t know for sure if Galatians is the only letter written in Paul’s own handwriting. Who No physically wrote his letters makes no difference, they were Paul’s words and were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
If Paul did have an eye disease, it may have been Macular Degeneration. In any event, it took a lot of time to write Galatians with his own hand. Because he couldn’t see well, he had to use very large letters. He wanted them to know how much he loved and cared for them. He had some difficult and challenging things to tell them. We know of one instance in the epistle to the Romans, it says, “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22). Paul had to dictate it to him word by word.
When I was young, there were typewriters and telephones, but I still hand wrote letters, as did many people. It was a very personal and special way of communicating, especially over far distances. We’ve come a long ways since then to now having emails and texts. The Bible is God’s love letter to mankind. There are many verses where God is speaking to us in the first person.
When you love someone you take the time and make the effort. Paul did just that. Paul used his hands to help others, and he spoke from his heart. You can feel his feelings in his writings. He wore his emotions on his sleeve.
Have a blessed day communicating with those you love in a personal, precious way. Stay safe and healthy.
Gifts that are bought are special indeed, but gifts that are made, seem to meet every need,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 